Workshop II: Integrating Acceptance & Mindfulness in CBT

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and other mindfulness-based therapies, have previously been positioned as “opponents” of CBT. More recently the similarities and overlap these therapies share has been well recognised, and the idea that they can be integrated in a meaningful way has also been proposed. Many clinicians already use both styles of therapy, but may struggle with how to integrate them in a seamless and theoretically coherent way. In this practical and experiential workshop, participants will learn how to:

Formulate client emotional difficulties, such that a clear and compelling rationale for pursuing both CBT and/or acceptance and mindfulness approaches is available to clinician and client;

Ensure values-guided behaviour change and an attitude of acceptance towards uncomfortable internal experiences is explicitly addressed in any CBT approach;

Expand CBT thought record work to emphasise acceptance-based cognitive restructuring in addition to an evidence-testing approach; and